From 4th - 13th September, I'll be taking on the challenge of a lifetime to help raise vital funds for our local hospital, the RUH in Bath.

Thanks to funds raised and generous donations through The Forever Friends Appeal, the hospital now has an amazing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which gives babies a purpose-built environment which is really producing positive results.

The Appeal is now turning its attention to Cancer Care at the hospital - it's 'Space for Cancer Care', which will transform the care and environment in which local cancer patients will be treated. The RUH, like many local hospitals, is working with pre-fabricated buildings dating back from the 1940s, which were only meant to last a few years and then be pulled down. They still exist! The hospital has worked hard to make these buildings as accommodating as possible, but with cancer seemingly on the increase, these facilities drastically need to change.

The idea, like with the NICU, is to create a positive environment for holistic healing. There will be natural light, a choice of waiting seating (there currently is limited room for this and not enough consultation rooms) and patients will have control over their environment. Inpatient rooms will be at the top of the building, overlooking the countryside, and there will be specific provision made for teenagers and young adults, plus room for relatives and carers to stay overnight with their loved ones, whilst having access to domestic facilities too. There will be much-needed flexible, private spaces for clinicians and patients - in short, it will truly change the experience of local cancer patients and give the best chance of recovery.

The new centre will cost £20.5 million to build and is a 66/33% partnership between the NHS and charitable funding sources. The Forever Friends Appeal was asked to raise a minimum of £5 million towards these costs. This was met, thanks to the generosity of The James Dyson Foundation, so the Appeal is now extending its target by £3 million. It is planned for the Cancer Centre to be fully operational by 2017 with construction beginning in 2016.

That's where you and I come in. Like many of you, I know and love people who have been, and are, affected by cancer. And since the beginning of the year, I've known of three people, the same age as myself and with young families, battling cancer, two of which are facing a terminal prognosis. The way in which they deal with this is inspirational and I dedicate this trekking challenge to them.

From 4th - 13th September, I will make my way to the Great Wall of China, with a group of strangers, but we will all have one common purpose. To raise money for a new Centre that any one of us could need in the future. Please help me raise vital funds for such an important local resource that could really shape the future of the way in which cancer is treated locally.

Please donate whatever you can - you can leave a message of support for a loved one undergoing treatment, a message in memory of someone - or simply a message wishing me good luck! Part of the funds raised will cover the cost of the trek, with other costs being paid for by myself.

Thank you - I am so very grateful for your support.

Becky

 

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